The last time Chelsea bettered the Gunners at Stamford Bridge was in August 2018 under Maurizio Sarri. Their most recent win over a Mikel Arteta side came more than four years ago at the Emirates.
But the Tables Have Turned
What was once a fixture defined by Arsenal’s fragility has flipped completely amid their transformation under Arteta. Sunday’s clash at the Bridge is perfectly poised for a variety of reasons.
Chelsea enter the match riding the momentum of battering Barcelona; Arsenal do the same after downing Bayern. The league table paints a precarious picture—one that places Arsenal on the precipice of either creating a substantial gap or being dragged deeper into a title race.
It perhaps reflects the league’s inconsistency that Chelsea appear the only realistic threat to Arsenal lifting a title for the first time in over 20 years.
That places real jeopardy on this fixture. For Chelsea, a loss would serve as a reality check on faint title aspirations. For Arsenal, defeat would cut their lead while handing a massive boost to multiple chasing rivals.
Arsenal in the Spotlight
But despite the game being at Stamford Bridge, the greater pressure sits with Arsenal. They’re widely described as the Premier League’s standout outfit. The title is already theirs to lose. They concede rarely, they’re ruthless in front of goal, and they can win in a variety of ways.
Arteta needs to get over the line this season. With Liverpool in collapse and Manchester City stumbling, the door has never been more open. Logically, Arsenal’s squad has all the experience necessary to sustain a title push where perfection may not even be required.
Objectively, it is hard to see past a likely title win for this current Arsenal team. Chelsea are battling the data, the form, and recent history against their next opponent. Yet that was certainly the case against PSG—and arguably against Barcelona too.
Chelsea Must Embrace their Underdog Status
Since beating Liverpool at the Bridge in May, Enzo Maresca has showcased his ability to construct impactful tactical plans that produce high-level performances. Chelsea relish undermining supposedly unimpeachable opponents.
They become a far more dangerous side when allowed to occupy the underdog role. Despite Maresca’s preference for controlling possession, some of his team’s best performances have come when Chelsea see less of the ball.
The slight contradiction with Arsenal is that they are unlikely to employ the sort of comical high line Hansi Flick favors. Arsenal are a more calculating opponent—one that has no issue leaning on percentages rather than playing with complete freedom.
For Arsenal, a loss to Chelsea is more damaging in the short term. For Chelsea, the realistic aim has never been to win the Premier League title, but to demonstrate they are getting closer to competing for it.
Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool relished this role when facing Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in 2017 and 2018. And as significant as a win on Sunday would be for Chelsea, a harsh winter fixture list (what Hooligan Soccer calls The Crucible) still awaits—one where regretful dropped points to lesser opponents have been all too common before.
Chelsea need to embrace their role, not with fear but with relish. And maybe, by the end of Sunday, they will prove they are more than little horses in this race.
You can follow my coverage of Chelsea on YouTube at SonOfChelsea. More written coverage of the club on Substack. Follow me on X for more thoughts, along with listening to the podcast.
Commanding an impressive presence in football media, Daniel Childs is a seasoned content creator whose insights resonate deeply with enthusiasts. His extensive experience spans dynamic podcasting, compelling presenting, and incisive broadcasting, establishing him as a prominent voice in the sport. Daniel’s academic foundation – a degree in Film & Screenwriting from the University of Chichester – underpins his ability to craft engaging narratives and analyses that captivate audiences. You can delve further into Daniel’s work on his Substack and explore his contributions to Hooligan Soccer. His authoritative commentary and expertly delivered content are a testament to his profound understanding of football. Connect with Daniel on Twitter, subscribe to his engaging content on YouTube, and follow his updates on Instagram. Daniel remains steadfast in his commitment to delivering high-quality, trustworthy content that informs and entertains.
